Local Heroes 2026 Draws Record Crowds for Three Days of Celebration
July 6, 2026 | Kristin Derrin
What an incredible weekend.
From July 2 to July 4, Incline Village and Crystal Bay came together to celebrate the people who make our community so special during the 2026 Local Heroes 4th of July Celebration. Three days of events, including SummerFest, patriotic concerts, pancake breakfasts, the Local Heroes Parade, the Community Fair, live music, family activities, and more, made this year’s celebration our biggest yet.
A Record Breaking Celebration
This year’s Local Heroes Parade and Community Fair welcomed the largest crowds we’ve ever seen. At one point during the Community Fair, it was impossible to see from one side of the vendor tents to the other through the crowd.
More importantly, the atmosphere throughout the weekend was overwhelmingly positive. Everywhere you looked there were smiling faces, neighbors reconnecting, families making memories, and visitors experiencing the incredible community spirit that makes Incline Village and Crystal Bay so special.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, participated in the parade, hosted a booth, or cheered from the sidelines. You helped make this year’s celebration one to remember.
Congratulations to Our Parade Contest Winners
This year also marked the introduction of our first Local Heroes Parade Contest. The creativity, patriotism, and community pride on display made choosing winners no easy task.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners:
Most Patriotic: IVCB Veterans Club
Most Creative Kids: Daisy Trails Forest Preschool
Most Creative Non-Profit: Village Pet Foundation
Most Creative Business: North Shore Plumbing
Each winner will receive a handcrafted commemorative award from Tahoe Gifting Co., along with well-deserved bragging rights until next year’s parade.
Thank You
The Local Heroes Celebration is only possible because of the incredible support of our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, parade participants, public safety agencies, entertainers, and local businesses. Your dedication continues to make this one of the most anticipated community events of the year.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Local Heroes Celebration our biggest and most successful yet. A special thank you to the Rotary Club of Tahoe Incline for organizing volunteers and helping us with the annual parade. It really takes a Village! And a very special thank you to the incredible Julie Malkin-Manning for making it all happen!
We look forward to celebrating with you again next July 3.
In The News – Clean Up The Lake and Station House Inn partner on July 5 cleanup
July 6, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 07/06/2026, written by Eli Ramos
After the festivities of Independence Day, Clean Up The Lake and Station House Inn announced their partnership through the Stay With Purpose program. The fund raised over $30,000 for the organization to continue their work.
“Clean Up The Lake has a real tangible impact pulling out trash from the lake,” said Mitchell Murray, CEO of PlayPark Hospitality, which owns Station House Inn. “We think they do a really great job and are excited to support them in preserving the lake we all love.”
In The News – Hundreds of volunteers leave Tahoe better than they found it at Annual Cleanup Event
July 6, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 7/6/2026, Staff Report
On July 5, 446 local and visiting volunteers gave up three hours of their holiday weekends to show love for Lake Tahoe by participating in the 13th Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White & Blue Cleanup hosted by Keep Tahoe Blue in partnership with more than a dozen organizations and businesses. Participants equipped with reusable bags, clipboards to tally data, and grabbers fanned out across six beach sites around the Lake, stretching from Kings Beach to Kiva Beach, as part of Tahoe’s largest annual cleanup event.
“We feel like it’s our lake too,” said volunteers Roberta and Russ, Southern California residents who have visited Tahoe each summer for 40 years. “This event is a great way to help.”
After Tahoe’s celebrated July 4th festivities, our beaches and surrounding areas can get a little too much love. Each year on July 5th, Tahoe residents and visitors turn out for the largest cleanup of the year to refresh and revitalize Lake Tahoe’s shores. You can help Keep Tahoe Blue by volunteering at a beach cleanup site around the Lake!
How to sign up:
Click on the location below to sign up
If you do not pre-register, you will need to complete a volunteer waiver onsite during check-in.
Note for minors:
Volunteers under 18 – will need to create a volunteer account and provide a guardian’s email to complete the waiver online.
Volunteers under 13 – will need to provide a guardian’s email to create a volunteer account and complete the waiver online.
If you are having trouble registering minors online, please register on the day of at the on-site check-in tent at your chosen location.
Locations:
Tahoe City Commons Beach – Meet at Commons Beach and clean the beach, through the town, and into 64 Acres.
Interested in making a difference as a site lead? We are looking for 2–3 leads at each location to help set up and break down equipment, distribute materials, and record data card information. To volunteer, please email events@keeptahoeblue.org. or julie@keeptahoeblue.org.
Be sure to bring:
Hat, sunglasses, comfortable clothing, and shoes
Cleanup gloves and grabbers (if you have them)
Sunscreen
Full reusable water bottle or travel mug
Any snacks you would like
We provide:
Cleanup materials (gloves, bags, etc.)
Refreshments
Cool giveaways
Our cleanup efforts are made possible by a generous community of Tahoe lovers. We need your help to buy supplies, staff a dedicated team of experts, and do preventative work to stop litter at the source.
This year, we asked our community a simple question: Who’s your hero? The response was overwhelming. From veterans and first responders to neighbors who quietly show up year after year, the nominations that poured in are a beautiful reflection of what makes Incline Village and Crystal Bay such a special place to call home. Meet the people you chose.
Betsy Garfinkle
Betsy recently retired from IVGID, but her legacy blooms all over Incline Village. For years, she was the one out there gardening and planting flowers on IVGID properties, making our community more beautiful one bed at a time. Her hard work, dedication, and ever-present smile have touched more hearts than she probably knows. A true unsung hero.
Officer Hannah Degoey
Hannah is a hero for the women of Incline Village. As a law enforcement officer, she has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic violence in our community – offering protection, compassion, and consistency when people need it most.
Jeffry Poindexter
Jeff is a veteran whose service never stopped at the uniform. He’s been a pillar of the Incline Village Veterans Club, Rotary, the Military Officers Association, and the Tahoe Business Exchange, and he volunteers every year at the 4th of July Veterans Pancake Breakfast. He’s deeply involved with the Incline High School JROTC program, personally helping distribute scholarships to students who want to serve our country. And right now, he’s working alongside the Veterans Club and local realtors to establish a War Memorial in Incline Village – a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives. Jeff embodies duty, honor, and community in everything he does.
Nominated by the Incline Village Good Neighbor Committee
Denise Bremer
Trying to summarize Denise in a sentence or two? Nearly impossible. She’s chaired the Incline Realtor Board, served on the Fire Board, helped with the 4th of July and St. Patrick’s food distributions, taught classes at the Rec Center, and been an active member of Trampers and Incliners. She watches over pets and never hesitates to help anyone in need. Denise is the kind of neighbor every community hopes to have.
Nominated by a friend
Lourdes Avenier & Ana Porras
Lourdes and Ana saw a gap and filled it. They founded the HOPA program at Incline High School, pairing first-generation students with local professionals for one-on-one mentoring. The impact of that kind of support – someone in your corner who’s been where you’re trying to go – is immeasurable.
Linda Offerdahl
Linda is the kind of person who makes things happen. Always stepping up, always making new ideas work for this community, she’s become a go-to force in Incline Village who brings energy and follow-through to everything she touches.
Nominated by a neighbor
Harry Van Delinder
Harry was a man of quiet service. He didn’t speak about his time stationed in England during World War II until the year 2000 – but when he finally did, what emerged was a remarkable story. The hundreds of letters he exchanged with his parents between 1944 and 1945 are being preserved and will one day be published for generations to come. Harry passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on. His son Brad calls him his best friend in life, and we can see why.
Nominated by Brad Van Delinder – his son
Steve Conboy
Steve Conboy has spent his career doing something most of us only read about in the news: finding real, lasting solutions to the wildfire crisis threatening our forests, our homes, and our communities. As the founder of Mighty Fire Breaker and CitroTech Wildfire Defense, Steve invented CitroTech – the only fire retardant recognized by the EPA Safer Choice Program, meaning it’s safe for people, pets, and the environment while still being highly effective. His work has helped protect homes, families, and first responders from devastating wildfires, and he’s described by those who know him as an environmentalist, activist, and philanthropist who approaches it all with the heart of a true public servant.
Closer to home, Steve recently opened the Wildfire Pro Shop right here in Incline Village, bringing his mission directly to the community he cares about. He’s been nominated by friends, colleagues, family members, and community members alike – each one pointing to the same thing: a man who saw a problem, dedicated his life to solving it, and never stopped showing up for others along the way.
Nominated by multiple community members.
Dr. Johanna Koch, Janice & Rosie
Dr. Johanna Koch has served the Incline community as a physician for over forty years and will be retiring next year – a milestone that deserves to be celebrated loudly. Alongside her, retired nurses Janice and Rosie continue providing medical support to local residents simply out of the goodness of their hearts. Together, they represent a lifetime of care that has touched countless lives in this community.
Nominated by a patient
Peter Bonanza
Peter Bonanza was known by everyone in town. For many decades, he was a constant presence in the Incline Village community – someone who, simply by being himself, put a smile on people’s faces. Peter passed away recently, and his loss is felt deeply. We’re grateful to the neighbor who nominated him, and we honor Peter here as someone who reminded us all how much an individual can mean to a place just by showing up with warmth and joy.
Nominated by Christopher Talbot – his friend
Charles Cross
Charles Cross served his country and deeply loved his family. He is remembered and celebrated by his granddaughter Anne Costello, who nominated him with simple, powerful words: “He served our country and deeply loved his family.” Sometimes that says everything.
Nominated by Anne Costello – his granddaughter
Todd Lowe
Todd Lowe has fought for Incline Village residents for a long time – and won. He was a driving force behind the Village League and the landmark lawsuit against unfair Washoe County property taxes, a seventeen-year battle that ultimately benefitted every property owner in this community. He’s also been deeply involved in efforts to explore making Incline Village its own city, working to give residents more control over their own future. As one nominator put it: no one still living has done more to preserve and protect the Incline Village and Crystal Bay way of life than Todd Lowe.
Nominated by multiple community members, including Richard Miner and Diane Becker
Helen Neff
After surviving a near-fatal pedestrian versus car accident, Helen Neff didn’t step back – she stepped up. She became a tireless advocate for road safety for everyone: pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. She’s the driving force behind the widely recognized “Take it Slow, Tahoe” campaign and continues pushing for safety initiatives that protect lives across our region.
Julia Zaitsev
Julia changed a family’s life. As one nominator shared, Julia saved her daughter from years of daily pain – pain that had become a way of life before Julia intervened. The gratitude in that nomination is profound, and it speaks to the kind of transformative impact Julia has had on the people she works with.
Nominated anonymously
Franklin Otis Carroll
Franklin Otis Carroll (the elder) was a pioneering aviator and military leader who “armed the Army Air Force in WWII” as commander of the experimental laboratories at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. He was also the first pilot to land in the cornfield that would become Wright Field – right after WWI. His grandson, who shares his name, nominated him with tremendous pride. A family legacy worth honoring.
Nominated by his grandson, Franklin Otis Carroll
Audrey Suzanne Ayers Carroll
“She has been the rock and anchor of my life for 50 years.” That’s how Franklin Otis Carroll describes his wife Audrey – the strongest, most loving, most loyal person he knows. Behind every great person is often someone even greater, and Audrey sounds like exactly that.
Nominated by her husband, Franklin Otis Carroll
Dave Ward
Dave Ward is a firefighter. To his son Dylan, that – and everything that comes with it – makes him a hero, plain and simple. “My dad is my hero because he is a firefighter and takes care of us.” We couldn’t agree more.
Nominated by Dylan Ward – his son
SPC Robert O’Hare
Robert O’Hare served in the US Army until he passed away in January 2021 from brain cancer. He was a resident of Incline Village who lived his life in service to others – fighting with courage and positivity until the very end, and always ready to help those around him. His mother Cindie nominated him here, and we’re grateful to be able to honor his memory.
Nominated by Cindie O’Hare – his mother
Fire Chief Jason Gibeaut
Beyond his role as fire chief, Jason gives back in quiet, personal ways – helping the disabled, supporting the homeless, and serving as Head of Men’s Ministry at Cornerstone Church. He leads in uniform and out of it.
Nominated by a friend
Lt. Col. Ricardo J. Blanco (USMC, Ret.)
Lt. Col. Blanco has been deployed around the world – El Salvador, Somalia, Iraq (twice) – always ready to defend his country when called upon. His family nominated him here, and we’re proud to recognize his decades of dedicated service.
Nominated by family
Alex “Papa” Sill
Vietnam veteran. Software security expert. Volunteer firefighter. Mr. MacGyver. Porsche lover. And by all accounts, the most incredible dad and grandpa around. Alex “Papa” Sill is the kind of person who quietly accumulates a lifetime of remarkable things – and the people who love him want the world to know it.
Nominated by the Kronenthals & Sills
Julie Malkin-Manning
If you’ve celebrated the 4th of July in Incline Village, you’ve experienced Julie’s magic – you just may not have known it. While families enjoy the parade, festivities, and fireworks, Julie is the one working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen. Her dedication goes far beyond logistics; it’s a reflection of her deep love for this community and her unwavering commitment to making it a place where people feel connected, celebrated, and proud to call home. She’s also known as a standout event planner for IVCBA, always bringing new ideas to life.
Nominated by Linda Offerdahl and Janelle Hibler
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Every name on this list – and every person who took the time to celebrate someone they admire – is part of what makes this community extraordinary. See you at the parade!
Saluting Our Heroes: A Military Flyover Comes to Incline Beach This July 3rd
June 30, 2026 | Julie Malkin-Manning
Brought to the community by MOAA – Military Officers Association of America
This Fourth of July weekend, Incline Village is going all out to honor the spirit of American independence – and the highlight might just be something happening overhead.
On Friday, July 3rd at 12:00 PM, the skies above Incline Beach will be graced by a military helicopter flyover, a powerful and moving tribute to the servicemen and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. The flyover is proudly presented by MOAA, the Military Officers Association of America, an organization committed to honoring, supporting, and advocating for those who serve.
Meet the Crew
Behind every great flyover is a great crew. This one is no exception:
CW3 Scott Hermanson of Moraga, California, serves as Pilot. A Chief Warrant Officer with the skill and calm that comes from years of dedicated service, Hermanson will be at the controls as the helicopter sweeps over the beach.
Jake McDermott of Silver Spring, Nevada steps into the Co-Pilot seat, bringing his own expertise and pride to this patriotic moment.
And keeping everything running smoothly in the air is SSG Robert Hamond, Flight Engineer, hailing from Reno, Nevada – just over the hill.
The aircraft flies out of Stead Air Force Base in North Reno, a storied installation with deep roots in Nevada’s military history.
Why This Moment Matters
A military flyover is more than a spectacle; it’s a statement. It says: we see you, we honor you, and we are grateful. In a world that moves fast and forgets faster, pausing to look up at the sky and feel the rumble of that aircraft in your chest is a reminder of the sacrifice and commitment that underpins the freedoms we celebrate every July 4th.
MOAA’s decision to bring this flyover to Incline Village is a gift to the entire community – a chance for families, children, veterans, and neighbors to share a moment of collective gratitude and pride.
Be There
The flyover is set for 12:00 PM on July 3rd at Incline Beach, right in the heart of the day’s celebrations. Arrive early, claim your spot on the sand or the shore, and be ready to cheer. If you know a veteran or active service member, bring them along – this one’s for them.
The July 3rd celebration also includes the Local Heroes Parade at 10AM, the Community Fair at the Village Green/Aspen Grove (11AM–2PM), and an all-American BBQ lunch by Wild Bill’s. It’s a full day of community, food, fun – and now, a flyover that will give you chills.
See you on the beach.
Thank you to MOAA and to CW3 Scott Hermanson, Jake McDermott, and SSG Robert Hamond for this incredible tribute to our community.
Mark your calendars – the Local Heroes Parade is returning to Incline Village, and this year’s lineup is one for the books. Whether you’re lining the route with your family or marching alongside your neighbors, this is the community celebration we look forward to all year.
Parade Details
Date: Friday, July 3
Start Time: 10 AM
Route: Southwood Boulevard to Oriole Way to Incline Way to Country Club Drive
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to grab a great spot along the route. As always, bring your lawn chairs, flags, and a big cheer for your fellow community members.
This Year’s Lineup
The festivities kick off with the National Anthem performed live by Maiia Christoffersen, followed by the Diamond Peak Ski Team led Bike Parade – always a crowd favorite for our youngest community members. From there, the full procession takes over the streets.
Leading the way with full honors is the National Guard Color Guard, followed by the Incline High School ROTC (c/LTC Herrera, c/SSG Alvaro, c/CPL Jurss, Cadet Ponce, Cadet Perez led by First Sergent Philip Risi). After that, a wonderful cross-section of Incline Village and the greater Lake Tahoe community rolls through, representing everything that makes this place so special.
This year’s participants include:
Parade Grand Marshal Steve Price
AJ Gan Club (Ron Pizer) with his two Ford Model Ts
Reno Mustang Club – carrying our local distinguished veterans
Rotary Club of Tahoe-Incline
IVCBA (Incline Village Crystal Bay Business Association)
The Primavera Co.
Village Pet Foundation
Rotary Club of Incline Village
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Incline Village Crystal Bay Veterans Club
Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation
Incline Village Community Hospital
Alpha Club of Incline Village
Jacked Up
Kuchulis and Simvoulakis Family
Old Lake Tahoe Athletic Club (OLTAC)
Around Tahoe Tours
American Red Cross of NNV
Incline Property Management
Bridget Giroux Design
Justin’s 1975 Blazer (a classic worth watching for!)
Glasses Wine Bar
Jim + Laura Perez
Incline Star Follies
Inside Incline | Sabrina Belleci Team |Casa Tua Real Estate
Jim Lee
North Shore Plumbing
Pet Network Humane Society
SQ Enterprises
Ryan Brooks – IVGID Trustee Candidate
Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band
NLTFPD (North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District)
Incline Village Crystal Bay Republican Women
Gregg Boyd’s 1980 Trans AM (another showstopper!)
Washoe County Sheriff Department
Washoe County Roads & Stormwater
From our local service clubs and nonprofits to our first responders and classic car enthusiasts, this parade is a true reflection of our community’s heart and history. The Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band alone is worth showing up early for.
The Local Heroes Parade isn’t just a parade – it’s a reminder of how much we have to be proud of right here in Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Come out, say hello to your neighbors, cheer on the organizations that serve our community every day, and soak in everything that makes this place home. We’ll see you out there!
Don’t Miss It: The 2026 Tahoe Local Heroes Community Fair
June 30, 2026 | Julie Malkin-Manning
Get ready, Incline Village and Crystal Bay – the 2026 Tahoe Local Heroes Community Fair is coming, and it’s going to be one for the books. Neighbors, nonprofits, local businesses, and first responders are all coming together for a day packed with connection, fun, and community pride. Here’s a preview of everything you can look forward to.
Washoe County Sheriff Meet & Greet
Ever wondered what’s in a deputy’s toolkit? Now’s your chance to find out. The Washoe County Sheriff will be on-site for an interactive meet and greet, giving attendees of all ages an up-close look at their impressive equipment – think patrol vehicles, tactical gear, and search-and-rescue tools. Come shake hands with the men and women who serve and protect our community every day. If you’ve got a future first responder in the family, this is a can’t-miss stop.
Susie Scoops Ice Cream Contest
Cool off and compete! Susie Scoops – your go-to for ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, and boba – is bringing the fun with an ice cream contest you won’t want to sit out. Whether you’re throwing your hat in the ring or just cheering (and snacking) from the sidelines, this is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Come hungry.
Susie Scoops and Village Toys are thrilled to introduce a brand-new addition to the fair: Build A Tahoe Bear! Create your very own Tahoe-themed stuffed bear to take home as a keepsake from the day. It’s perfect for kids and honestly irresistible for adults too. This one’s sure to become a fair tradition – come be part of the first year.
Show your Local Heroes pride with official IVCBA X Tahoe-Love Local Heroes merchandise! Head to the Tahoe-Love booth to pick up:
Limited Edition 250th T-shirts
Dad Caps
Tote Bags
Parade Clappers
And the incredible collection of Tahoe-Love merchandise that will help you demonstrate your Love for Tahoe all year long!
Supplies are limited and will be available while they last following the parade – make sure to swing by early!
New This Year: Bike Parking
Ride your bike to the fair! We’re excited to offer dedicated bike parking for the first time in 2026. Lock up and enjoy the day – no need to worry about a spot. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference, and a great way to enjoy the Tahoe summer on your way in.
Toys for Tots
Want to make a difference while you’re at the fair? Stop by the Toys for Tots booth, where you can purchase a toy on-site to donate directly to kids in need. Holiday gift lifts will also be available, so there are plenty of ways to give back and spread some joy. Come ready to pay it forward.
Live Music: Tahoe Philharmonic Woodwind Quartet
The fair will have a live soundtrack this year! The Tahoe Philharmonic Woodwind Quartet will be performing on the grounds, bringing a touch of beauty and elegance to the afternoon. Stroll the booths, grab some food, and enjoy the music – it’s the perfect Tahoe summer backdrop.
IVGID’s Wild Bill BBQ
No community gathering is complete without great food, and IVGID’s Wild Bill BBQ has you covered. Get ready for smoky, savory BBQ that’ll keep you fueled up all afternoon. Whether you’re grabbing a plate between booths or settling in to enjoy the live music, this is the place to be. Check out the menu on the Local Heroes website at ivcba.org.
Who You’ll See: 2026 Community Fair Participants
The fair is only as good as the people who show up – and this year’s lineup of participants is incredible. Here’s who will be there:
From first responders to nonprofits, local businesses to community champions, the 2026 Local Heroes Community Fair is a celebration of everything that makes this place special. We can’t wait to see you there!
Honoring Our Grand Marshal: Colonel Steven E. Price, USAF (Retired)
June 30, 2026 | Julie Malkin-Manning
Every year, the Local Heroes Parade gives our community a chance to stop, look around, and recognize the extraordinary people who live among us. This year, we are proud to announce that the 2026 Grand Marshal is a man whose life of service spans continents, decades, and generations: Colonel Steven E. Price, United States Air Force, Retired.
Steve has called Tahoe home for over 40 years, eventually settling in Incline Village full-time in his retirement. During that time, he has woven himself into the fabric of this community as naturally as he once navigated the skies.
A Life of Extraordinary Service
Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1940, Steven E. Price came of age in an era that asked everything of young Americans, and he answered without hesitation. After graduating from Hobart College in 1962 and earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, he went on to complete Air Force Navigation School in 1963, launching a military career that would span three decades and take him to the far corners of the world.
Over nine years of active flying duty, Steve logged an extraordinary 7,655 flight hours, including 1,056 hours of combat. He flew a remarkable range of aircraft, including the SA-16, C-54, C-124, C-141, EC-121R, and the massive C-5 Galaxy, from bases as varied as Goose Bay in Labrador, Canada; McChord AFB in Washington; Elmendorf AFB in Alaska; Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand; and Travis AFB in California.
In the Thick of It: Combat, Command, and Leadership
Steve’s career was defined not just by miles logged, but by the weight of the moments he flew through. His combat tour at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base from 1970 to 1971, serving with the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing (known as the “Bat Cats”), placed him at the center of one of the most demanding chapters of the Vietnam War era.
His leadership trajectory was equally distinguished. He served as Base Commander at Rhein Main Air Base in Germany from 1981 to 1982, overseeing a critical hub of U.S. European operations. As a Principal Staff Officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-4), he played a direct role in the creation, approval, and establishment of USTRANSCOM, the United States Transportation Command, a logistical achievement that reshaped how the American military moves people and materiel around the globe. He later served as Vice Commander of the Keesler Training Center at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, shaping the next generation of Air Force professionals.
His assignments also took him through the highest levels of military planning and policy: Headquarters Military Airlift Command, U.S. European Command, the Air War College (where he graduated with distinction), the Pentagon’s J-4 directorate, and AFSOUTH.
Decorated for Valor
Colonel Price’s service earned him some of the United States military’s most respected honors, including:
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and “V” for Valor
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals
The “V” device on his Air Medal is not a routine decoration. It is awarded specifically for acts of valor in direct combat, and it speaks to the courage Steve brought to the most dangerous moments of his career.
He retired from the Air Force in 1992 after thirty years of service.
Home in Incline Village
After a career that took him around the world, Steve and his wife Claire, married for 60 years, found their way to the shores of Lake Tahoe and never looked back. Steve has given back to this community with the same commitment he brought to his military career – continuing a life of service on a different, quieter scale: neighbor to neighbor, community to community.
Join Us to Celebrate
On Friday, July 3, we invite the entire Incline Village community to come out, wave a flag, and cheer for a man who has spent his life in service to others. Colonel Steven E. Price is our 2026 Local Heroes Parade Grand Marshal, and there is no one more deserving of the honor.
Thank you, Steve, for your decades of sacrifice, your years as our neighbor, and your example of what it looks like to show up, every single time.
Tahoe Fireworks is honored to continue this beloved community tradition as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. While this year’s event will look a little different, the display will once again light up the North Shore on July 4th.
More details, including safety information, are provided below and HERE >
For generations, fireworks have been part of Independence Day celebrations in Incline Village and Crystal Bay. In honor of America’s 250th birthday, Tahoe Fireworks, a charitable nonprofit organization based in Incline Village, will present a professionally produced fireworks display on July 4, 2026, starting at 9:30 pm. The display is being made possible through the generosity of local donors and supporters committed to preserving this longstanding community tradition.
The fireworks display will be launched from Lake Tahoe east of Incline Beach. The launch platform will be located at approximately 39.232837, -119.941582. The display is expected to be visible from numerous locations throughout Incline Village, Crystal Bay, and the North Shore.
The event is being coordinated by licensed professionals and permitted through the appropriate local, regional, state, and federal agencies to help ensure a safe and responsible celebration. This announcement is intended to help residents and visitors plan ahead for the holiday weekend and enjoy the festivities safely and responsibly.
Safety & Community Information
To support the safe setup and operation of the fireworks platform, a buoy-marked safety zone will be established around the fireworks barge beginning July 1st and will remain in place through the morning of July 5th.
All watercraft and flotation devices, including boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, sailboats, and other motorized or non-motorized vessels, must remain outside the marked safety zone at all times. During the fireworks display, the restricted area will be actively secured, and no person or vessel will be permitted to enter or cross the buoy line.
Residents and visitors should also expect increased activity on Lake Tahoe and heavier traffic throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay during the holiday weekend. Community members are encouraged to plan ahead, use caution on local roads and waterways, and make appropriate arrangements for pets or others who may be sensitive to fireworks.
Those looking to make the most of the holiday weekend are encouraged to visit the IVGID and IVCBA websites for information on community events, recreation opportunities, and additional Fourth of July activities taking place throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where should we watch from?
A. No centralized gathering area is being promoted for this event. Residents and visitors may be able to enjoy the fireworks from various vantage points throughout Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
Q. Is this an official IVGID event?
A. No. The event is being coordinated independently and is not an official IVGID-sponsored event.
As with all previous fireworks displays enjoyed by the community, funding for the fireworks program has historically come from private donations and sponsorships rather than taxpayer dollars. The 2026 celebration continues that tradition through the generosity of individuals and supporters who wish to make this special event possible.
Q: Will there be future public fireworks celebrations?
A: At this time, organizers are focused on safely and successfully executing the 2026 celebration. Future community fireworks discussions would occur separately and could involve broader community, operational, funding, and permitting considerations.
Q. Is this permitted?
A. Yes. The event is being coordinated with licensed fireworks professionals and permitted through the appropriate agencies.
Q. Can people donate?
A. Community members interested in supporting the fireworks program and related cleanup efforts are invited to contribute through our website. Donations of any amount are appreciated and help support both the celebration itself and the stewardship efforts that follow.
Q: Who is managing the fireworks program?
A: The fireworks program is being coordinated by Tahoe Fireworks, Inc., a local nonprofit organization supported by a board of community members and volunteers dedicated to helping continue the tradition of Fourth of July fireworks celebrations in Incline Village and Crystal Bay.
The nonprofit works in coordination with licensed pyrotechnic professionals, permitting agencies, community partners, and supporting donors to help ensure the event is professionally managed and responsibly executed.
